How to Make a Rug Size Checkerboard
Small game pieces can sometimes be difficult for young hands with tiny fingers to manipulate. With a rug-sized checkerboard, however, you can create larger pieces that are easy to move and control, even for older or arthritic hands, as well. With a little advanced planning and saving of materials, you can make your game "green" by recycling margarine tub lids for the game pieces, too. Play the game on the floor, in front of the fireplace, or on the table; the game rug is versatile.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Canvas fabric
- Masking tape
- Red and black fabric paint
- Vinegar
- Rag or sponge
- Iron
- Seam binding
- Sewing machine
- Large wooden disks or margarine lids
- Red and black acrylic paint
Instructions
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1
Measure and cut a square of canvas to the size you want for the game board.
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2
Mark the edges of the square to divide the canvas into eight equal rows and columns, creating 64 smaller squares.
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3
Mask alternating rows and columns with tape.
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4
Paint the unmasked smaller squares red with fabric paint. Allow the paint to dry and then remove the tape.
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5
Mask the painted squares with tape.
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6
Paint the remaining squares black. Allow the paint to dry before removing it.
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7
Apply vinegar lightly to the canvas, using the rag or sponge. Iron the checkerboard to set the paint.
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8
Pin seam binding around the edges of the canvas and stitch it in place.
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9
Sand and paint half the disks or lids red with acrylic paint. Repeat with black paint for the remaining pieces.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You may paint the canvas with acrylic paints, instead of fabric paints. It may take more than one coat, however. Mixing the acrylics with fabric medium can help prevent excessive absorption.
Although red and black are the best-known colors for checkers games, you may use any dark and light color you like.
Place newspaper, paper towels, or an old dish towel under the canvas when painting it, in case the paint bleeds through to the back of the fabric.
References
- Photo Credit checkers 2 image by Lisa Hendrickson from Fotolia.com
